What are general intercessions for daily Mass?

General intercessions, also known as prayers of the faithful or universal prayers, are prayers offered during Catholic Mass where the congregation prays for the needs of the Church, the world, the suffering, and the local community. They are called "general" because they address universal concerns rather than specific individual requests.

How are general intercessions different from prayers of the faithful?

General intercessions and prayers of the faithful are actually the same thing. "General intercessions" emphasizes their universal nature, while "prayers of the faithful" emphasizes who offers them - the baptized faithful. Both terms refer to the same liturgical element of the Mass.

When are general intercessions prayed during Mass?

General intercessions are prayed during the Liturgy of the Word, after the homily and Creed (if said). They conclude the Liturgy of the Word before the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Preparation of the Gifts.

Who writes the general intercessions for daily Mass?

Our general intercessions are written by Giuseppe Njualem, a seminarian at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario, following the guidelines of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and with input from theology students and experienced clergy.

Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

General intercessions, also known as the "Prayer of the Faithful" or "Universal Prayer," are an essential part of the Catholic Mass where the congregation joins together to pray for the needs of the Church and the world. These intercessions are called "general" because they address universal concerns that affect all Catholics and humanity as a whole.

📖 How to Use These General Intercessions

1. Choose Your Option: Browse the available intercession options for today's Mass.

2. Download PDF: Click "Download PDF" to get a formatted copy for your lector or liturgy coordinator.

3. Edit if Needed: Use "Edit" to customize intercessions for your parish's specific needs.

4. Browse Other Dates: Use the calendar to access intercessions for any date throughout the year.

General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Saint Raymond of Peñafort, priest

○Optional Memorial

Liturgical Color: White

General Intercessions for Saint Raymond of Peñafort, priest

Option 1

1.That the Church, guided by the wisdom of canon law, may always serve justice and mercy, as exemplified by St. Raymond, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who administer law and justice in society may be guided by fairness and a concern for the vulnerable, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those facing trial without adequate legal representation, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may bring our actual failures honestly to God, trusting in His patience rather than concealing what we are ashamed of, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a place where reconciliation and forgiveness are actively practiced, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For all lawyers, judges, and those who work in the legal profession.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all priests who faithfully ministered the sacrament of reconciliation may receive God's eternal mercy, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV and all bishops, that they may govern the Church with pastoral charity and sound judgment, inspired by St. Raymond, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who govern may ensure that civil law protects the rights of every person regardless of their social standing, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those carrying guilt from something they did years ago that they have never been able to put down, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be diligent in our study of the faith and strive to live in accordance with God's will, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be a community where God's mercy is proclaimed and experienced by all, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who sought to bring God's mercy to others may now rejoice in His presence, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Variations if Optional Memorial is not celebrated

Option 1

1.That the Church may continue to reveal Christ, the light of nations, to all who dwell in darkness, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That those who hold governing authority may choose negotiation over escalation when conflicts between nations arise, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For those who have given up on God after experiencing serious suffering or loss, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That the gifts we have received from God may be used for His glory and the service of our neighbor, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our local community may be a shining example of Christian faith and love, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For those who feel alienated or distant from the Church.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all the faithful departed may be admitted to the eternal vision of God's glory, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Option 2

1.For Pope Leo XIV, that his ministry may strengthen the Church in its mission of evangelization, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

2.That all who hold public office may exercise their authority with justice and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

3.For families, that they may be places where faith is nurtured and the love of God is shared, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

4.That we may be faithful witnesses to Christ in our workplaces, schools, and daily interactions, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

5.That our parish may be known in our neighbourhood for the practical care it offers to those who are struggling, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

Optional:For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.Lord, hear our prayer.

That N. and all who have died may share in the unending joy of the saints in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.Lord, hear our prayer.

About Our General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Our general intercessions are carefully written by Giuseppe Njualem, a seminarian at St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario. Each set of intercessions follows the guidelines established by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and is crafted with input from theology students and experienced clergy.

📅 Liturgically Accurate

Every intercession is crafted to reflect the specific liturgical season, rank, and saint of the day, ensuring theological accuracy and seasonal appropriateness.

🌍 Universally Focused

Our general intercessions address the four traditional categories: Church needs, world concerns, those in distress, and local community intentions.

📝 Ready to Use

Each option is formatted for immediate use by lectors and can be downloaded as a professional PDF for easy printing and reading during Mass.

✏️ Customizable

Edit any intercession to address your parish's specific needs while maintaining the theological structure and universal focus of general intercessions.

BiddingPrayers.com

Understanding General Intercessions for Daily Mass

Why "General Intercessions" vs "Prayers of the Faithful"?